1998 200hp sluggish on takeoff

[LeonForrister]

I just purchased a boat that has a 1998 Yamaha 200 hp equipped. The motor for the most part runs like a champ. The question I have is, why it is so sluggish (almost flooding acting) when I take off after I have been running it at speed. After I feather it out it gets on plane just fine and has great pickup and top speed.

Thanks for your help. This is the first Yamaha I've owned.

Leon

[amahaork]

Is timing properly set?
Are carbs properly adjusted?

[Jason2tpa]

I'd run the engine to warm, then turn off. Seat each of the pilot screws (air adjusting screw) for each carb, noting the number of turn-ins. Screw down the idle speed screw enough to crack open the throttle plates. Refer to your service manual for pilot screw spec turn out. Turn each pilot screw out to spec, as a starting point for fine tuning. Start engine and adjust pilot screws in or out by 1/4 turn increments. Adjust these accordingly until the engine idles smoothing, within idle speed spec rpms. If the engine is idling smooth, but rpms are on low side, turn in idle speed screw to increase rpms.

#24 Air Adjusting Screw

[LeonForrister]

Is timing properly set?
Are carbs properly adjusted?

Thank you for the suggestions. I will look into this.

[LeonForrister]

I'd run the engine to warm, then turn off. Seat each of the pilot screws (air adjusting screw) for each carb, noting the number of turn-ins. Screw down the idle speed screw enough to crack open the throttle plates. Refer to your service manual for pilot screw spec turn out. Turn each pilot screw out to spec, as a starting point for fine tuning. Start engine and adjust pilot screws in or out by 1/4 turn increments. Adjust these accordingly until the engine idles smoothing, within idle speed spec rpms. If the engine is idling smooth, but rpms are on low side, turn in idle speed screw to increase rpms.

#24 Air Adjusting Screw

Thank you very much for the walk through. I am not a mechanic, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn sometime back.

I've heard these motors need to be good and warm before takeoff. Do you have an general rule of thumb about how long?

I will definitely have a buddy help me.

Like I said the motor runs like a champ once I am out of the hole. Cranks fine after getting to the hole and sitting awhile.

[Jason2tpa]

I've heard these motors need to be good and warm before takeoff. Do you have an general rule of thumb about how long?

Never heard or read that before, as far as "these motors". Though it's a well established rule of thumb to allow all outboard motors to warm up before slamming down throttle. Most waterways surrounding boat ramps have Idle Speed only signs, then Resume Normal Operation. The idling time between launch and normal operation is usually enough time for engine to warm.